Committee on Procedures
Minutes of Proceedings - 13 May 2026
Committee on Procedures - 13 May 26.pdf (134.53 kb)
Meeting Location: Room 21, Parliament Buildings
Present:
Kellie Armstrong MLA (Chairperson)
Órlaithí Flynn MLA (Deputy Chairperson)
Present by Video or Teleconference:
Cheryl Brownlee MLA
Danny Donnelly MLA
Cara Hunter MLA
Apologies:
Danny Baker MLA
Robbie Butler MLA
Trevor Clarke MLA
Philip McGuigan MLA
In Attendance:
Stella McArdle, Assembly Clerk
Christine Darrah, Assembly Clerk
Michael Best, Assistant Assembly Clerk
Veronica Lo Pinto, Clerical Officer
The meeting started at 10.05 a.m. in public session.
1. Apologies
As above.
2. Draft Minutes
Agreed: The Committee agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2026.
3. Matters Arising
None.
Agreed: The Committee agreed that the meeting should move into closed session.
The meeting moved into closed session at 10.06 a.m.
4. Repeal of Standing Order 70 and consequential amendments to Standing Orders – Rescinding of Committee Decisions taken on 8 October 2026
The Chairperson reminded Members that the Committee had previously decided that the motion agreed at the meeting on 8 October 2025 to repeal Standing Order 70 and make a number of consequential amendments should be paused and not scheduled for debate in Plenary. This was in light of an issue arising in relation to the consequential amendment to Standing Order 22(2). Following consultation with the Speaker, the Business Committee and the Committee on Standards and Privileges and receipt of further legal advice the Committee indicated at the meeting on 29 April 2026 that it wishes to bring forward an alternative amendment to Standing Order 22(2) to that agreed at the meeting on 8 October 2025. As a result a new motion also needs to be agreed.
The Chairperson advised the Committee that there is a procedural requirement to rescind the decisions made on 8 October 2025 on the original amendment to Standing Order 22(2) and the motion containing that amendment before any new decisions can be taken. All other decisions made on 8 October 2025 in respect of the repeal of Standing Order 70 and the consequential amendments remain valid.
Agreed: The Committee agreed to rescind its decision of 8 October 2025 to amend Standing Order 22(2) as follows – In Standing Order 22, for paragraph 2, substitute -“Every petition presented under this order, not dealing with a matter which is sub judice, shall be notified to the Clerk of the Business Committee, and that Committee shall consider whether and when it shall be taken by the Assembly.”
Agreed: The Committee agreed to rescind its decision of 8 October 2025 that the motion to repeal Standing Order 70 that contains that amendment to Standing Order 22(2) be tabled in the Business Office to be scheduled for debate in Plenary.
Cheryl Brownlee left the meeting at 10.11 a.m.
Cheryl Brownlee rejoined the meeting at 10.13 a.m.
5. Repeal of Standing Order 70 and consequential amendments to Standing Orders – Consequential Amendment to Standing Order 22(2) and draft Motion to Amend Standing Orders
Cheryl Brownlee left the meeting at 10.14 a.m.
The meeting was suspended at 10.14 a.m. due to loss of quorum.
The meeting was adjourned at 10.35 a.m. due to loss of quorum.
Órlaithí Flynn MLA
Deputy Chairperson, Committee on Procedures
27 May 2026
